THE NURSE’S ROLE IN THE COORDINATION AND CONTIUUM OF CARE

While organizational change in hospital affects care coordination on a micro level, governmental policy affects care coordination on a macro level. One example of governmental policy is the implementation of the Affordable Care ACT (ACA). Passed in 2010 by President Obama, this act had three main goals: 1. Provide affordable health insurance to greater number of Americans than was previously possible. 2. Expand Medicaid to cover all adults whose income was below the poverty level. 3. Bolster current medical care delivery methods to reduce costs of health care overall. “On June 22nd, 2010, a new patients bill of rights was established to extend coverage for minors provide out-of-network emergency services, extend insurance coverage to age 26 under a parent’s plan, and provide the right to appeal a payment denial”(Collins & Saylor, 2018)

THE NURSE’S ROLE IN THE COORDINATION AND CONTIUUM OF CARE

We’ve mentioned nurses several times during this presentation in relation to care coordination and I want to really home in on why nurses are so vital in adequate care management. Nurses are essential promoters improving quality and efficiency in health care coordination. Nurse’s scope of practice includes collaboration with the interdisciplinary team to develop individualized care plans and to educate patients on the aspects of said plans. Registered nurses must also stay up to date with many skill competencies such as cultural competency training and disease specific care plans to promote positive health care outcomes. When not on the clock nurses are expected to carry themselves in an ethical manner and foster the progression of social justice to mitigate health disparities both of which directly effect care coordination. Nurses are yet another piece of the puzzle that allow care coordination to be carried out as efficiently as possible. This has been a presentation on care coordination, thank you for your time, take care